Voting for Faculty and Staff

WCU values civic engagement among faculty and staff as well as students. The university encourages all faculty and staff to be active participants in democracy. One of the simplest ways to be activly engaged in democracy is to use your voice and vote. 

If you are a resident of Jackson County, we encourage you to check or update your voter registration by utilizing the . Once you are registered you can early vote at the WCU on-campus polling place, early vote at a different Jackson County early voting location, vote by mail, or vote on election day at your designated precinct polling place.

If you are not a resident of Jackson County, we encourage you to register and vote in your home county. If you reside in North Carolina you can utilize the to check your registration status and find polling locations in your county.

If you reside in a state other than North Carolina, please refer to your state Board of Elections website for information about registration and voting. 

Steps to Vote

 
  • If you are usure if you are registered or usure of the details of your registration, you can look up your registration using the .
  • You can register online through the as long as you are a pre-existing DMV customer.
  • You can also fill out a paper . This registration form should be mailed or taken to the board of elections for the county in which you are trying to register.
  • You may also stop by Belk 273 to pick up a paper registration form. CCESL staff can assist you in filling out the form and getting it to the Jackson County Board of Elections for you.
  • To help you complete your registration you can view an example registration form.
  • Educate yourself on the , including what offices are up for election, who is running, and where and how you can vote.
  • You can also stay up to date on elections and other current events by utilizing your free through WCU.
  • Participating in democracy can take shape in several different ways. One of the most important is showing up to vote. Making your voice heard is one of the best and easiest things you can do to participate in democracy.
  • You can also participate by integrating civic education material and activities into course content.

Classroom Resources

Below are resources if you are interested in incorporating civic engagement into your course materials.

  • Civic engagement events and volunteer opportunities listed on the CCESL
  • Assign students to participate in the

University Policy 28

If you are interested in the rules and regulations around political activities and running for office as a WCU employee please closely review and adhere to University Policy 28

Here are quick Do's and Don'ts around University Policy 28

Do

  • Familiarize yourself and adhere to University Policy 28.
  • If considering running for an elective public office, petition for approval from the appropriate university authorities to assess any conflicts with university responsibilities.
  • Request a leave of absence from university employment if running for or holding a public office.

Don't

  • Use university resources to support/oppose candidates.
  • Promise preferential treatment or threaten detrimental treatment to any individual to gain political support.
  • Don鈥檛 assume there is no conflict of interest with your university responsibilities when running for or holding a part-time public office without thorough assessment and approval.

WAYS TO VOTE

Vote Early In-Person

Vote Early in-person at the nearest polling place currently located at the Cullowhee Recreation Center (address is 88 Cullowhee Mountain Rd). Voting early typically means shorter wait times and more flexibility in voting which is often the best choice for most people, including college students. Voting at our on-campus polling place also helps the university be able to keep it as an option for students in the future.

Vote on Election Day In-Person

Vote in-person on election day at your  . Make sure you show up to the proper polling place with all proper documentation (a valid photo-ID).

Vote by Mail

fill it out, attach any additional required documents (a photocopy of a valid ID), and mail in your ballot. Be sure to mail in your ballot several days before election day to ensure your ballot arrives at the Board of Elections by 7:30pm on Election Day.

Election Dates

  • Oct. 9: Voter registration deadline (5 p.m.)
  • Oct. 15: In-person early voting begins; same-day registration available. For more, see Vote Early in Person above.
  • Oct. 20: Absentee ballot request deadline (5 p.m.)
  • Oct. 31: In-person early voting ends (3 p.m.)
  • Nov. 3: Election Day. For more, see Vote in Person on Election Day above.
  • Nov. 3: Absentee ballot return deadline (7:30 p.m.)

Important Dates

  • Aug 17 - Oct 9: Voter registration volunteer oppportunities.
  • Sep 15 - National Voter Registration Day and Democracy Day
  • Sep 17 - National Constitution Day
  • Oct 27 - National Vote Early Day
  • Nov 2 - America's 250th Fair at WCU
  • Nov 3 - Election Day

Voter Information

CCESL Faculty & Staff Page

Contact Us

The Center for Community Engagement
and Service Learning
Belk 273 

Phone: 828.227.2091
Email: communityengagement@wcu.edu